The Logan Bartlett Show
EP 137: Keith Rabois and Zach Weinberg Debate: Are Tariffs a Smart Economic Weapon?
Apr 9, 2025
Keith Rabois, a venture capitalist known for his roles at PayPal and LinkedIn, joins Zach Weinberg, co-founder of Flatiron Health, in a fascinating debate on the strategic use of tariffs. They discuss how tariffs function as negotiation tools rather than just a means to bring back manufacturing jobs. The conversation dives into the trade deficit's relevance, the idea of using tariffs to replace income tax, and whether they can help combat drug trafficking. Their logical perspectives make for one of the most engaging economic debates yet.
52:18
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Quick takeaways
- Tariffs are primarily a negotiation tool to eliminate foreign trade barriers, aiming to increase free trade rather than restrict it.
- The debate highlights tariffs as a strategic non-military option to address public health crises such as fentanyl trafficking in the U.S.
Deep dives
Strategic Use of Tariffs
The discussion emphasizes the strategic role of tariffs in achieving foreign policy goals, positioning them as effective alternatives to military intervention. Tariffs are viewed as tools to compel nations, such as Canada and China, to address public health crises like fentanyl trafficking, which has resulted in significant American fatalities. By using tariffs to encourage stricter border controls and to manage the production of harmful substances, the approach claims to enhance national safety without armed conflict. Overall, the narrative suggests that economic statecraft through tariffs can fulfill several diplomatic objectives efficiently.
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